This test is for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, one of the three known species of the Chlamydia bacterial family. Infections with Chlamydia trachomatis are the most common sexually transmitted infections. Last year, more than 20,000 visitors to sexual health facilities had a chlamydia infection.

For whom is the chlamydia test suitable?

Young adults (15-25 years), people with frequently changing sexual partners, sexual partners (even with unnoticed symptoms and no symptoms) of infected mothers and newborns of infected mothers are most often affected by chlamydia. Infections without sexual contact are rare, but can not be ruled out. This test is suitable for removing bacteria from the cervix, so it is only suitable for women. In case of infection, it is recommended that the male (sexual) partner also undergoes a test and possibly undergoes treatment.

How does the Chlamydia test work?

The sample is obtained by inserting a swab into the cervix (end of the vaginal canal) where it is is rotated for 30 seconds. The swab is then introduced into the sample container to mix the sample with the buffer liquid. For this purpose, the cotton swab must be pressed against the walls of the container and the bottom of the bottle.

After 5 minutes you should squeeze the cotton swab well, close the buffer bottle and shake it.

Open the buffer bottle and add 2 drops to the sample block on the test cassette.

The result can be read after 15 minutes.

A sample is considered positive if two purple lines („C“ and „T“) appear within the reaction time of 15 minutes. If only one color line appears at „C“ within the reaction time, the result may be considered negative.

Why should I do the chlamydia test?

Chlamydia trachomatis infections often cause no symptoms but can lead to symptoms such as eye infections, arthritis and inflammation of the urinary tract. In addition, untreated infections often lead to infertility and increase the risk of ectopic pregnancies and premature births.

Especially important is the treatment of infections with Chlamydia trachomatis during pregnancy. About 50% of infected mothers pass on the infection to the newborn. Common complications in newborns are conjunctivitis and pneumonia.

Symptoms

Chlamydia infections are among the most common sexually transmitted diseases. In men, the infection manifests as urethritis with secretion. The anus and testes can also be infected.

In women, the urethra and cervix are usually affected. The symptoms include back pain, abdominal pain, immediate urination after drinking, burning, itching, vaginal discharge, fever, pain during intercourse and intermittent bleeding.

Often the infection remains asymptomatic. Chlamydia can lead to an unnoticed inflammation, which in the meantime can lead to irreparable damage. For example, ovarian inflammation may develop and the uterus and ovaries may also become infected. In part, the peritoneum is infected. In neonates, the infection manifests as a neonatal eye infection and rarely as pneumonia.

Causes

The cause of the disease is an infection of the reproductive organs in which the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis (Chlamydiaceae serotypes D-K) is involved. Chlamydia itself can not produce ATP (this molecule is responsible for energy production). To cover its energy needs, the bacterium extracts ATP from the infected cell.

Transmission

The pathogens are transmitted during sexual intercourse. A special type of transmission is the infection of the newborn during birth. Chlamydia die quickly outside the body. The incubation period varies from a few days to weeks and rarely to years. At risk are mainly young people (adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24) who have unprotected intercourse and often change their sexual partners.

Complications

The possible complications include female infertility, scars, ectopic pregnancies, and chronic pelvic pain. As a result of the infection, reactive arthritis and Reiter syndrome can rarely occur, especially in males.

Prevention

Condoms are used to prevent the disease.

Medication

Current and past sexual partners should be treated together to prevent reinfection and further spread. Oral antibiotics are used for treatment.